Secure modular dislay system

ABSTRACT

A modular display system includes a container having a top wall, a bottom wall, a rear wall, a front wall, a left side wall and a right side wall, at least a substantial portion of one of the front wall, the left side wall and the right side wall being transparent. The walls are joined to define a weather-tight interior and the container has a footprint sized for transportation on an over the road truck. The system also includes a door in one of the rear wall, the front wall, the left side wall and the right side wall, the door being at least 4 feet high and 2 feet wide. The system also includes a latch mechanism interconnecting the door and the adjacent wall to secure the door relative to the wall, and a lighting system optically exposed to the interior, the lighting system configured to illuminate a portion of the interior.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/828,792 filed Oct. 10, 2006.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not applicable.

REFERENCE TO A “SEQUENCE LISTING”

Not applicable.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to the secure display of items for sale, and more particularly, to a modular portable system for the temporary and selective display of items.

BACKGROUND

Persons wishing to sell items located in rural or remote locations may have difficulty doing so. For example, the items may often be too great in number or too large and immobile to transport easily to a more central location. Thus, only a limited number of potential buyers may be aware of the items for sale. In addition, some items may not be suited for being located outdoors for long periods of time. In fact, the value of some items such as antique furniture and other goods may be greatly reduced if subjected to constant wind, sunlight, or rain. In addition, regardless of the display location, the unsupervised display of items to be sold can increase the risk of damage and theft.

The disclosed system and methods are directed towards overcoming one or more of the problems set forth above.

SUMMARY

In an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, a modular display system includes a container having a top wall, a bottom wall, a rear wall, a front wall, a left side wall and a right side wall, at least a substantial portion of one of the front wall, the left side wall and the right side wall being transparent. The walls are joined to define a weather-tight interior and the container has a footprint sized for transportation on an over the road truck. The system also includes a door in one of the rear wall, the front wall, the left side wall and the right side wall, the door being at least 4 feet high and 2 feet wide. The system also includes a latch mechanism interconnecting the door and the adjacent wall to secure the door relative to the wall, and a lighting system optically exposed to the interior, the lighting system configured to illuminate a portion of the interior.

In another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, a method of displaying an item for sale includes providing a weather-tight container consisting of at least four side walls, a top wall, and a bottom wall, at least one of the four side walls comprising an openable door and at least one of the four side walls being substantially transparent. The method also includes disposing the item within the container, displaying item information, and illuminating a portion of the container with a lighting system. The method also includes securing the door relative to an adjacent wall with a latching mechanism.

In a further exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, a method of displaying an item for sale includes disposing the item within a weather-tight portable container, the container comprising a substantially rectangular frame configured for transportation on an over the road truck, at least one substantially transparent portion, and a door. The method also includes illuminating the item with a lighting system within the container, displaying at least one of item information and seller contact information, and immobilizing the item.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a container according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure

FIG. 2 is a side view of the container illustrated in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 illustrates a portion of the container shown in FIG. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As shown in FIG. 1, the present system contemplates a container 10 having a top wall 12, a bottom wall 14, a front wall 16, a rear wall 18, a left side wall 20, and a right side wall 22, wherein the walls are joined to define a weather tight interior 24. The top and bottom walls 12, 14 are horizontally disposed and the front wall 16, the rear wall 18, the left side wall 20, and the right side wall 22 are vertically oriented. The walls can be framed or panel construction, wherein the joints 26 are sealed. Thus, the construction can include a frame 28 to which the walls are attached. Alternatively, the walls can be attached to each other to form the container 10.

As shown in FIG. 2, one configuration of the invention contemplates the container 10 being a generally shipping container size, having a substantial portion 58 of at least one, and preferably, a substantial portion 58 of at least three of the front, rear and side walls being formed of transparent and/or translucent material such as glass, polymers, plastics, and acrylic. In an exemplary embodiment, the portion 58 may comprise at least one Plexiglas window. Despite the material used to construct the portion 58, it is understood that the transparent portion 58 can be sealed to prevent, for example, water from entering the container 10. The container 10 is typically eight feet high, eight feet wide and twelve feet long; or eight feet wide, eight feet high, eight feet long (or sixteen feet long). In further configurations, the containers 10 are five feet or seven feet high.

Referring again to FIG. 1, at least one of the walls, such as the rear wall 18 includes an access door 30, or is moveable with respect to the frame 28 so that items 32 can be disposed within the container 10. The door 30 is sufficiently large so that relatively large items 32, such as but not limited to garden equipment, snowmobiles, tools, motorcycles, tractors or furniture can be introduced into the container. It is contemplated that one of the walls can be moveable to function as a door 30, thereby admitting the relatively large items 32 to the container 10.

As shown in FIG. 3, the container 10 may also include one or more mounts 54 configured to secure the items 32 disposed therein when the container 10 is being transported and/or otherwise moved. The mounts 54 may be anchored in, for example, the bottom wall 14, and/or any of the other walls discussed above. In an exemplary embodiment, the mounts 54 can be movably anchored in any of the walls discussed above to allow for connection to items 32 of different shapes and sizes. The mounts 54 can be configured immobilize the items 32 and can be used either independently or in conjunction with, for example, rope, twine, straps, chains, and/or other anchoring devices. In an exemplary embodiment, the mounts 54 can comprise brackets, bolts, angle iron, C-channel, and/or any other conventional mounting components.

As shown in FIG. 3, in one configuration, the container 10 includes a lighting system 36 for illuminating items retained within the container 10. The lighting system 36 can comprise a plurality of fluorescent lights, and/or any other known interior lighting devices. The lighting system 36 can be generally self-contained such as employing one or more solar panels 34 disposed on the top wall 12 of the container 10, wherein the panels 34 charge associated batteries (not shown). Any of a variety of commercially available systems can be used for such illumination. The lighting system 36 can also be electrically connected to a power source 38. The power source 38 can be configured to supplement the energy supplied to the lighting system 36 by the solar panels 34. Alternatively, the power source 38 can be configured to supply substantially all of the energy required by the lighting system 36. In such an embodiment, the solar panels 34 can be omitted. The power source 38 may comprise, for example, a battery, a generator, and/or any other portable source of electrical energy known in the art.

The lighting system 36 can be controlled by manual switch 40. Alternatively, a light sensor 42 can be used, such as those typically employed in residential lighting systems, for providing illumination upon a certain degree of darkness. As shown in FIG. 3, in an exemplary embodiment, both a manual switch 40 and a light sensor can be used to control the lighting system 36.

Certain information pertaining to the items 32 retained in the container 10 or the contact information of the seller can be displayed either in electronic format or through advertising material set up within the container. In one configuration, a display 44 such as a dot matrix display, a white board, a chalk board, and/or a flat screen television can be located within the container 10 and configured to disclose item information and/or seller contact information to viewers and/or potential buyers outside of the container 10. It is further contemplated that promotional materials can be available for pick-up by a potential purchaser, wherein a dispenser 46 is attached to an exterior surface of the container 10 and configured to retain such materials.

In view of the proliferation of cellular telephones and text messaging machines, it is contemplated that the contact information includes a cell phone number or web address that allows a cellular telephone or text message to reach the seller and either arrange for a transaction or further analysis of an item 32 retained with the container 10.

The container 10 can also include a security system 46 configured to sense an unwanted entry into the container 10 and notify the seller and/or the authorities of such an entry. The security system 46 may comprise, for example, one or more motion, pressure, sound, and/or other sensors 48 configured detect the presence of an unwanted intruder within the container 10 and/or one of the walls or portions 58 of the container 10 being tampered with or compromised. The security system 46 may also comprise one or more sirens 56 or other alarms that may be activated upon receiving a signal from the sensors 48.

As shown in FIG. 3, the container 10 may also include one or more smoke detectors 52 configured to sense the presence of smoke or fire within the container 10. The smoke detectors 52 may be configured to notify the seller and/or the authorities when smoke and/or fire is detected, and the smoke detectors 52 and/or the security system 46 can be connected to, for example, a telephone or internet service (not shown) to enable such notification.

In use, the container 10 can be rented for a given period of time, wherein the container 10 is delivered by an over the road truck. The container 10 can include one or more hitches 60, or other moving components to assist in the transportation and/or storage thereof. Although not shown, it is understood that the container 10 can further include wheels or other components configured to assist in the transportation thereof. In addition, the frame 28, walls, and/or other components of the container 10 can be configured to withstand the loading and unloading of the container 10 onto and off of, for example, a flatbed truck.

The container 10 can be off-loaded and/or otherwise delivered to any desired location. For example, if a person was trying to sell certain items 32, the container 10 could be located in the front yard proximate the road, thereby allowing traffic to view to the items 32 retained within the container.

The access door 30 (or wall) is opened and the items 32 to be displayed are located within the container 10. The access door 30 is then shut and secured such that the items 32 are not subject to theft. It is understood that securing the items 32 can include, for example, activating the security system 46. Securing the items 32 can also include lockably attaching one or more latching mechanisms 62 to, for example, the door 30 and/or one of the walls. The latching mechanism 62 can comprise a combination lock, a key lock, a magnetic locking device, and/or any other known locking mechanism. The latching mechanism 62 can further comprise an arm or other member configured to interconnect the door 30 and an adjacent wall to secure the door 30 relative to the wall.

The lighting system 36 can then be activated to allow for inspection of the items 32 independent of the time of day. The contact information and information related to the items 32 for sale can be shown on the display 44 and the information can enable prospective buyer to contact the seller to arrange for either further inspection or a discussion of terms.

Thus, the present system allows for the secure 24-hour display of items in rural locations or locations which would not otherwise be subject to an attendant and particularly 24-hour surveillance.

In a further configuration, the container can include a ventilation system comprising one or more passive or active vents 50 configured to assist in maintaining a desired internal temperature with respect to ambient temperature. Further, depending upon the intended use, it is contemplated that an air conditioning unit (not shown) can be fluidly connected to the container 10 for assisting in maintenance of internal temperature.

Thus, the disclosed container 10 provides a secure, weatherproof display location for any of a variety of items 32 including furniture, antiques, tools, construction supplies, snowmobiles, motorcycles. The exemplary containers 10 of the present disclosure are sufficiently large to preclude removal from a desired location absent a flatbed truck. 

1. A modular display system, comprising: (a) a container having a top wall, a bottom wall, a rear wall, a front wall, a left side wall and a right side wall, at least a substantial portion of one of the front wall, the left side wall and the right side wall being transparent, the walls joined to define a weather-tight interior, the container having a footprint sized for transportation on an over the road truck; (b) a door in one of the rear wall, the front wall, the left side wall and the right side wall, the door being at least 4 feet high and 2 feet wide; (c) a latch mechanism interconnecting the door and the adjacent wall to secure the door relative to the wall, and (d) a lighting system optically exposed to the interior, the lighting system configured to illuminate a portion of the interior.
 2. The system of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of mounts movably anchored in at least one of the walls.
 3. The system of claim 2, wherein each mount of the plurality of mounts is configured to immobilize items disposed within the container.
 4. The system of claim 1, further comprising a security system configured to detect the presence of an intruder within the container.
 5. The container of claim 1, further comprising a display disposed within the container and configured to disclose information viewable from outside the container.
 6. The container of claim 1, further comprising a dispenser attached to an exterior surface of the container.
 7. The container of claim 1, further including a ventilation system configured to assist in maintaining a desired temperature within the container.
 8. The container of claim 7, wherein the ventilation system comprises an air conditioning unit.
 9. The container of claim 1, further comprising at least one solar panel disposed on the top wall of the container and configured to supply energy to a component of the lighting system.
 10. A method of displaying an item for sale, comprising: (e) providing a weather-tight container consisting of at least four side walls, a top wall, and a bottom wall, at least one of the four side walls comprising an openable door and at least one of the four side walls being substantially transparent; (f) disposing the item within the container; (g) displaying item information; (h) illuminating a portion of the container with a lighting system; and (i) securing the door relative to an adjacent wall with a latching mechanism.
 11. The method of claim 10, further comprising at least partially energizing a component of the lighting system with solar power.
 12. The method of claim 10, further comprising regulating an internal temperature of the container.
 13. The method of claim 12, wherein regulating the internal temperature further comprises providing a ventilation system.
 14. The method of claim 10, further comprising activating a security system.
 15. The method of claim 10, further comprising immobilizing the item with at least one mount movably mounted to the bottom wall.
 16. A method of displaying an item for sale, comprising: (a) disposing the item within a weather-tight portable container, the container comprising a substantially rectangular frame configured for transportation on an over the road truck, at least one substantially transparent portion, and a door; (b) illuminating the item with a lighting system within the container; (c) displaying at least one of item information and seller contact information; and (d) immobilizing the item.
 17. The method of claim 16, further including maintaining a desired temperature within the container.
 18. The method of claim 16, further including detecting motion within the container.
 19. The method of claim 16, further including at least partially energizing a component of the container with solar power.
 20. The method of claim 16, wherein immobilizing the item comprises anchoring at least one mount to a bottom wall of the container. 